100 Year CELEBRATION: 1914-2014

A 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY is usually something to take pride in — something to celebrate! And, yes, the 100-year milestone of the 1914 date truly is something to celebrate. But not for the same reasons that the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses are giving special attention to the date. We’ll explain the reasons we are celebrating, of course. But first, some background:

In 1979, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society* celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Watchtower magazine, which was first published in July 1879 as “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.”

In 1984, the Watch Tower Society celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the charter of the Society itself.

“THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE KINGDOM”

And now, in 2014, the Watchtower celebrates the 100-year anniversary of 1914. A phrase that has been heard multiple times among Jehovah’s Witnesses from their headquarters (Bethel) is that 2014 is “The Year of the Kingdom.”

The following links (to jw.org) are examples of this kind of emphasis since the beginning of 2014.

(Something is just a bit ironic in this article. It’s in the ellipses, hidden in those three little dots after “Behold, the King reigns! ” . . . Give up? The answer is linked here.)

THE TRUTH BE TOLD

Many of us with years of experience among Jehovah’s Witnesses have yet another reason to celebrate 2014. Primarily, we’re celebrating Truth — finding“pleasure in truth.” Isn’t that what had attracted us to Jehovah’s Witnesses in the first place?

It should become clear to anyone who spends much time looking at the research that has been reproduced, referenced and presented on these pages that the 1914 teaching was simply a mistake. So exactly why would we celebrate? Are we gloating?

For most of us, we are happy with the demise of the 1914 teaching because it corrects an error. And correcting an error is always a good thing.

Researching and studying about 1914 was, in fact, quite painful at first for some of those whose experience are available here. But it was a step to real progress. Many of us now have a much better understanding of the Bible, and we are now more conscious of our spiritual needs. We feel more empathy and better understand one another, especially those who, like ourselves, had found ourselves defending belief systems that required continual change and correction over time. And this empathy has often included our own families, friends and loved ones. For many of us, it was specifically the deep and sincere research into the 1914 doctrine that ultimately produced the proper humility that allowed us to make greater progress in our continued quest for truth.

A MILESTONE OR A MILLSTONE?

But wait! Aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves? Many readers of this article will surely think that the Watchtower’s celebration of this 100th Anniversary is just evidence that the 1914 teaching is not going away any time soon. Why are we acting like this anniversary is somehow a “death knell” for the Watchtower’s traditional 1914 doctrine?

There are plenty of reasons:

Any JW who has ever tried to seriously defend the 1914 doctrine has likely already discovered that there is no Biblical or secular evidence for pointing to that specific date. Worse than that, there are dozens of lines of evidence against it. (If you get to the level of studying the pivotal 607 BCE date, it turns out that there are literally tens of thousands of pieces of evidence against it. We might have thought that date was set in stone, and as it turns out, the very stones [link] cry out against it.) Every single claim about the doctrine turns out to be problematic from a doctrinal perspective. Defending it creates insurmountable contradictions, and this is something that many Witnesses have had to keep to themselves.

But the Watch Tower publications have now asked Jehovah’s Witnesses to focus on 1914 one more time, and to try to defend it one more time. The October 2014 Our Kingdom Ministry states: “Realistically, we may find it challenging to explain deep Bible truths, such as how we know that the Kingdom started ruling in 1914.”

Most, but not all, Jehovah’s Witnesses who write for the Watch Tower publications believe the 1914 teaching, and some “cracks” have already showing up in the publications.

Even for those who still believe it, however, the renewed focus has clearly created some awkward discoveries. Claims that once appeared regularly in Watch Tower publications have almost disappeared, replaced with reworded claims that make it clear the writer discovered the problem with old claim. Even some of the more recent doctrinal changes in just the last couple of years provide additional indications that Watch Tower writers have begun to see how the doctrine creates contradictions.

Luke 9:21 indicates the perils for a “man who has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind.” If you’ve ever tried to plow (or mow a lawn, at least) while continually looking back at where you’ve been, you will find that the lines aren’t straight. The Watch Tower’s own writers are looking back and finding out that the lines aren’t straight.

Most of us, whether JWs, ex-JWs, or non-JWs, already understand implicitly that the current 1914 teaching can’t last forever with world conditions going as they have been for the last hundred years. The teaching has already required adjustment in several ways, and it would be impossible to continue the current teaching without additional changes in the next couple of decades. The doctrine is like a sinking millstone. It can’t remain afloat.

KEEP ON TWEAKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

Remember this famous graphic from the 1968 “Truth Book”?

Someone (on another website) produced an updated version based on the 2010 “clarification” of the meaning of “that generation.” The image indicates, graphically, why there is very little room — or appetite — for further adjustments.

If anyone isn’t up-to-date with some of these more recent changes to the “generation” doctrine, it’s also discussed here.

A decade before the most recent changes to the “generation” the January 1, 2000 Watchtower stated:

“In recent years, we have been encouraged to look again with deeper understanding at—among other things—the generation that will not pass away before the end comes…. It may be difficult at times to understand such updated explanations, but the reasons for them become clear in due course.” [emphasis added]

In due course, of course, the definition of that “generation” changed again. There was an explanation that worked up until 1995, and then the 1995 explanation that was considered potentially “difficult” in the quote above, which itself preceded a new explanation in 2008, which lasted only a couple of years before the currently accepted explanation first appeared in 2010. Historically, the Watchtower has offered 7 distinct explanations, as depicted in the graphic below, found at the following web address: http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/generation.php

THE TRUTH, 2014 REVISED EDITION

As already stated, one excellent reason for our celebration is simply “pleasure in truth.” Jehovah’s Witnesses are repeatedly encouraged to do as the Beroeans did:

“Now these [Beroeans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” — Acts 17:11

As if to drive home the point even further, Paul later wrote to those in Thessalonica, telling them to “make sure of all things.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

That desire — that pleasure, that eagerness of mind — to “carefully examine” and “make sure” will be clear to anyone looking at those many experiences that many have shared here on this site. And if you have never seen Carl Olof Jonsson’s most comprehensive book, Gentile Times Reconsidered, take a quick look at the bookhere and you will surely be impressed at the level of research and scholarship.

CENSURED SENTRIES OF THE CENTURY

There’s another good reason to celebrate, and it’s in a more serious vein. We are all aware of how the Watchtower magazine often “celebrates” the lives of those persons in history who sacrificed much for the sake of truth and for the sake of their faith.

It’s a common theme found in many Watchtower articles — one that truly touches the hearts of those who have given up so much for their faith, their conscience, and especially for those related to them in the faith. That same theme was recently highlighted in the June 1, 2014 Watchtower article: Three 16th-Century Truth Seekers—What Did They Find? (links to jw.org) Another recent example is found the April 1, 2014 issue: Thomas Emlyn—Blasphemer or Advocate of Truth? (links to jw.org)

The parallels between experiences posted on this site and “16th-Century Truth Seekers” will likely seem quite unexpected to many Witnesses. We’ve included a short post about the Watchtower’s article on Thomas Emlyn, for example, because the similarities to the experience of Witnesses who studied the 1914 teaching are really quite amazing.

HOW WE ARE CELEBRATING

We’re celebrating the lives and experiences of many who suffered the consequences of speaking and writing honestly about their research. We have made an entire section devoted to such experiences and expect to add several more over the coming months.

Another way we’ll celebrate is by highlighting some of the excellent work and research that has been done to promote the truth about this matter. Some of that research has been contributed to this site, and much more will be referenced from a special section of the site: Websites, videos, books and discussions.

Of course, the most important way we are celebrating is by an effort to help everyone understand each other a little better. For example:

Everyone can get a better understanding of the historical development of the doctrine and the religious organization itself and therefore more empathy for people who are confused by it or object to it.

The included experiences should help Witnesses and ex-Witnesses understand each other better, especially those who might now find themselves in “estranged” circumstances.

Witnesses and ex-Witnesses alike often find themselves believing they are “on their own” when doubts or concerns arise. Hopefully this site will show otherwise, and encourage discussion with an entire community of persons who would gladly offer support and encouragement.

Truth doesn’t always lead to peace, but where both sides give truth a chance, it can offer the most stable basis for peace, understanding, empathy and love. Who could ask for anything more?

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66 thoughts on “100 Year CELEBRATION: 1914-2014”

Thanks so much. As a teen I often questioned the 1914 generation…and as I saw those born in that year grow old and die and the number of anointed kept going up and down, the “clarification” comes again, (the light got brighter)…so now what!?!?! According to the “rules” God cant lie, and he doesnt hide anything, which means the gb should never have a reason to make “adjustments” because the holy spirit is a direct line from god…so hmmmmm

Phew…..are we in a quandary….i suggest ….let every one of us
Go home …have some tea ..and say….
For millions of years …there has been the right dose 23% (approx)
0f good old oxygen …it never failed to keep us alive
It is predicted that this steady % will continue give or take for yet another 450 million years ……
See our Creators intention !
Relax …and .endure …to the end of your allotted years
Do about what ever you want to….taking responsibility of your actions
….good things bring good things ,….bad things bring bad things
We all know that alone ..is more than enough to keep going…safely
Everything else ..you see around you regarding your inheritance as a child of the universe…matters nothing…Whether rich poor or only an insignicant figment of a human being ….totally unnoticed by the many
No one can take away the rightful share of your future
..makes no difference if you are covered in sin or as righteous as Paul
Have your tea …and your biscuits ….retain your gratitude..
.leave those who memorise
…holy scriptures …kiss mats….et al
Quietly decide that purity of mind and heart will determine a future
…care for those around you
….keep yourself in good standing as part of the Universe
Belonging here or there ….a member here or there matters nothing
Rob

Been following web sites that expose JW’s for what they are. I was baptized in 1954 & faithfully followed the organization until last year. The connection to the UN did it for me.
I was an elder before that I was a congregation servant. Thank you for exposing so much.

Not saying the rest was all right, but the UN thing was a way to reference UN documents only. To have access to the UN archives, you had to be a NGO. No more no less. Yes, I’ve read all the documents, probably better then you, but you go there guy.

I don’t recall mentioning the UN, UN documents or the NGO issues. I’m told that he brother who first signed the Watch Tower Society up to be an NGO had no bad intentions. If you have read all the documents can you identify which Awake! articles were written and then presented back to the UN to show that the Watch Tower Society was supportive of their responsibility as an NGO?

You do not and have not been required to be a NGO to access the library. Direct from their website:

“Since 1946, the Dag Hammarskjold Library of the United Nations Secretariat in New York has arranged for the distribution of United Nations documents and publications to users around the world through its depository library system. At present, there are more than 365 depository libraries in over 136 countries maintaining United Nations material from the date of designation as depository to the present. The general public can consult the material free of charge at any depository library.”http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/deplib/deplibsystem.htm

My husband and I were regular pioneers, he was on the judicial committee, and other elder duties………he was a 3rd generation JW, I was in the Watchtower for 30 years………….He left in 1962 after much research in their own publications (finding such terrible changes in doctrine) and I left in the 1980’s……….thus 45 members of our family who follow JW rules, no longer have anything to do with us. We are labelled as active apostates. Very sad, fear filled religion.

Yes that is not correct to apostate you. Am baptized in 1987 after they helped me from a zero level in a Bible Teaching level. Very nice people. Later see that there is a shadow side, so even the oppostions websites and people. Mostly people who left the WTC, have no any solutions to show.For the Governing Body they are not really a problem.

I did not think they had an “elder” arrangement at the time your husband “was on the judicial committee”. You say he left in 1962 when congregations had solo Presiding Overseers instead of a body of elders.

In the 80s when Jim Jones had his cult drink the Kool-aid my husband a non J.W. said you had better not do any thing like that to my daughters. I was shocked I realized I was in a cult, I had been raised in a cult had given up my whole life as a child an teen an young adult to a cult. An then the Internet introduced me to several sights an I found old friends who had also left. I spent years feeling guilty that I was hurting my girls when I left but after reading an a little study I no longer feel that guilt an both girls are grown an healthy an have kids of there own an I now enjoy my 5 grandkids without guilt

Absolutely. And apparently many who followed Jim Jones felt that they were in the only group that showed real evidence of true Christian love. You wonder just how great the danger is when The Watchtower, less than a year ago, said this: [emphasis added]

“the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. “

The article went on to denigrate those who put their trust in education and secular institutions, and says that they should “adjust their thinking.”
I hate to use the word “cult” but I have to think of whether JW parents are “having no natural affection” when they hear counsel from the platform about abstaining from a life-saving blood transfusion, and forgetting to even raise their hand and at least ask, “Didn’t Jesus say that we should break a law when a life was at stake?” (i.e. pull a stranded sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath day.) What does that already say about the danger of being ready to obey any instruction even if it makes no sense rationally?

I am still in, but don’t agree with some teachings, 1914, the faithful slave, judicial methods etc. But I am still against calling Jw a cult or sect. I think it would be more appropriate to say maybe an at times overly bureaocratic (sorry bout the spelling?) institution. The problem is with the many rules and rigid organization, not always with us ”members”. I think saying cult is somewhat missing the point but I might be splitting hair. I have a good service group and some good elders around me that are quite open for discussion, otherwise I would have left if they were more autoritarian like some elders I’ve heard of. Anyhow, I see some similarities with current jw org and the company I work in, (20000 something employees,rigid organisation, lean, 5s etc). We might not be able to reform or change the org but we as people should change for the better, each day. I’m trying to keep that as my goal, regardless if I stay ”in” or get disfellowshipped for apostasy.
Sorry for long comment
Greetings
Sam

Having gone through the 1975 fiasco, then asking myself why was the Church building Wallkill facilities when the Kingdom was right around the corner. Then along came a WT article in 1984 which stated that we would be preaching to the “sons and daughters” of those “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things” Ezk.9:4. That was the moment for me that I realized that Matt.24:34 was headed down the tube. That writing marked the start of the “Obedience to the Organization” mantra that took over in the mid 1980’s.
It was that realization that moved me to start being responsible for my own relationship with the creator.

Interesting. Reminds me that the article “Shedding Forth Light…” in The Watchtower of 3/1/1985 (and later incorporated into the ‘Isaiah’s Prophecy’ book) gave an odd explanation of the “sons and daughters” associated with drinking the milk of nations, and nursing at the breast of kings. This was supposedly a reference the large projects that the Society was able to take on. Going into details would take too long so I moved it to a post, here: https://ad1914.com/2014/10/06/wt-says-organization-sucks-the-breasts-of-kings-by-milking-contributors/

Thank you so much for all your work here much appreciated the experiences are so helpful and helps me to keep my mind out of the WT thought, as it hasn’t been that long for me.
Been baptised for 37 yrs, what the nail for me was after all the research, was the child sexual abuse cases the way the flock were treated, then the out right lies of misquotes of other scholars and the deliberate changing of their history, the hypocrites, contradictions and hate of other religions. Its not easy but thanks to the many apostates out there that care, has helped ones like myself to get ride of the brainwashing and come to reality that this is not a religion but more a business that is mainly concerned about their own survival, how they use JW to that end is for me evil.

I wonder if something in the Bible suggests Armageddon would come within a year of the 100-year anniversary of 1914?

Oops! 70 is a significant period in Bible pattern and chronology. 70 years after 1914 is 1984! I wonder if 1984 is somehow significant as far as Bible prophecy is concerned? I wonder if some pattern will be fulfilled 100 years after 1914?

It’s just so amazing the level of brainwashing that gets done thru Watchtower. Their power is so strong, JWs will do whatever is commanded by the governing body without any hesitation. I’ve been DF’d twice now. What really got me is I found out Watchtower runs a large scale lending institution for high-interest high-risk loans. Watchtower funded a very large earth moving project that went belly up. I spent a lot of time with the loan officer at breakfast one day. He told me Watchtower flies him back to headquarters every three months. He said there are hundreds of loan officers that go to those meetings to talk about financial strategies and how to get high interest hi returns. It made me sick watching my 94 year old grandma go without so many basic necessities of life to put her last dollar in that box just to see it get lost when the economy crashed. That loan officer lost over 25 million dollars of Watchtowers money. He told me they lost hundreds of millions in 07 /08. Oh and if anyone doesn’t believe me, I have copies of all the documents and deeds to prove.

Jakesrage, There may some truth in what you say. However, I personally do not believe things I hear until I see real evidence or support. This is not the first I have heard of financial problems with the Watchtower and their investments. Let us know if you have published this evidence somewhere, or if you are willing to present it here or elsewhere. The Watchtower has made claims that aren’t true, and those who oppose the Watchtower have also made claims that were not true. The goal of this site is to present evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially through publications from the Watch Tower Society, have incorrectly and dishonestly attempted to support their unique doctrines. “He that is faithful in little things is faithful also in much.” Therefore this site would be happy to present your evidence, but we are not happy to present claims without evidence. Thanks.

Currently in the process of fading (if I can without it getting messy…currently an elder. Just stood down as secretary due to learning ‘the truth about the truth’…..feeling sick…..but getting to grips with it all)…..

Every human is endowed with a DNA molecule with information
….from here to the furthest Galaxy …in addition a brain with so much
That scientists believe we only use 10%…..
A brain more advanced than all computers put together
Man is Equipped perfectly …..how can any other man with exactly the same God given intelligence……even think of directing another
Bottom line….long overdue to scrap most of what we have been taught
And get ourselves sorted out …research is at hand for everyone
….might this be the second coming …..
Rob

I am so glad I am no longer a jw. I had a very bad experience with this cult. I always questioned their doctrines and the only answer I got from the elders is that: do not question the GB they are God’s channel. If you don’t understand a doctrine just be patient at the right time God will provide new light. I had never believe in 1914, to me it was a joke! especially when they said the generation of 1914 will not pass away until the “end” comes. This generation has passed away and the end has not come yet. This teaching is just a slap for JW. so they had to come up with overlapping generation to cover up their failure. What a disgrace! Does God really take pleasure in WT Teaching? I doubt it.

I am a 27 year old.. My parents became jehovah’s witnesses when I was 8 years old. After this time we moved from the uk to Australia. The witnesses made us feel right at home and with no extended family in the country they became our new family. When I was 13 years I was easily led and had a rebellious nature which I think I inherited from my father. I engaged in smoking drinking swearing and had an attitude problem which at the time was hard and damaging for my family, as they where trying their upmost to be members in good standing in the organisation.
I was pulled up by a body of elders and my father and taken into the library back room. There they discussed my wrongdoings and explained later on affects for my actions and asked if I was sorry and would stop.
Telling me that all things discussed would never leave the walls of the room. A week passed it was a Sunday meeting day I attended as I had always did with my family. As I approached a small amount of teens who were freinds told me to stay away and I was not to be seen associating as I was demon possessed and a bad influence.
As the meeting started I dwelled and dwelled…until the elder who had taken the lead in the back room approached the platform. As words spilled out of his mouth into the mike I was overwhelmed with anger hatred about the injustice of the lie I was told. Labelling me under demonic influence and warning family’s of my errors was a slap in the face. I scream swore and raced at the elder as I chanted and left via the stairs, saying I hate the f…ing elders. And this is only the too of the iceberg more to come:-)

When I was much younger my father would stay late for judicial committee meetings at the hall, and since we lived so far from the Kingdom Hall, we often would have to stay in the car and wait for an extra hour or so while elders met with one or two persons. In a small KH where everyone knew everyone else’s car in the lot, it was often obvious who was “in trouble.” One time, on the way home I could hear my mother trying to guess what the problem was, and my father made it very clear he wasn’t talking about it. But I wondered about the wives in the other cars. I could see how easy it would be not just for rumors to start, but for an elder to give in to his wife and give out all the details. We’ve also known elders who were gossips themselves, or drunkards, and who knows what private information might get out with elders like that.
The phrase “under the influence of demons” is one I’ve heard misused so many times. I know one Witness mother whose son got in trouble, so she would want to tell everyone that it wasn’t her fault, she was a good mother, so it must have been the influence of demons. Yet the “demonic” crime was hardly worth a “public reproof” if that!
It’s probably too easy for someone to just tell you to forget about it and let it go, but that’s about all you can do at this point. Apologies probably won’t make a difference. With humans, justice is hard to get.

I think I remember the apostles asking Jesus about his presence and the end of the system of things. I vaguely recall him saying something about being careful that no one misleads us…also he may have said, in so many words, that he didn’t exactly know and that it was really none of our business. He made it pretty clear that this issue is God’s matter not man’s….. Or did he say 2520 years after precisely 607 years before he was born? Simply stated it is presumptious to attempt to calculate what even Jesus himself refused to calculate.

I was raised JW, got baptised in 1974 at age 15; insurance policy so as not to be destroyed in 1975 in case they were right. I disassociated myself by writing letter to local congregation when I was 20, after finding countless flaws in doctrine defying reason. I was especially confused as to why 144,000 was a literal number in Revelations, but the 7 heads and 10 horns were figurative. Many family members still belong, some elders now. I was to told I would be treated as someone kicked out, even though I quit. Does anyone know the current official doctrine on how family members can communicate with me? At the time, it was a “conscience matter”.

Jeff,
Good point on the 144,000. JWs will answer that it’s literal because it’s compared with a great crowd that no one can number. But why then are the 12 instances of 12,000 not literal? Since they “too” are compared with a crowd that no man is able to number?
Unfortunately, even though it’s rare that elders will take action against Witnesses who talk to disfellowshipped relatives, the rhetoric is being ratcheted up again. (Now and then it is ratcheted downward, with articles on mercy and forgiveness, but these might happen now and then just to create selective quotation material when they get hit too hard on the shunning issue.)
The latest instances of rhetorical up-ratcheting just came up and is being studied this month at the Kingdom Hall in the Watchtower Study. That Watchtower (11/15/2014) says, in part:
*** w14 11/15 p. 14 par. 5 We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct ***
5 A heartrending experience for Aaron’s family is recorded at Leviticus 10:1-11. They must have been devastated when fire from heaven consumed Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu at the tabernacle. What a test of faith it was for Aaron and his family not to mourn their dead relatives! Are you personally proving yourself holy with regard to not associating with family members or others who have been disfellowshipped?—Read 1 Corinthians 5:11.

The summer release of a WT publication that is ironically named “God’s Love” also speaks in the same vein with an appendix called “How to Treat a Disfellowshipped Person.”

In practice, most JWs who previously considered it a conscience matter will continue to do so, even elders. Only if they are spoken to by a peer or someone higher in authority will they become more strict with themselves.

First of all I became tired by the time the elders told me to quit my business as it is spiritually dangerous for me…I am a 27 years old Film writer, Director and producer owning a film studio in South Africa. (I was raised in the Org and was baptized a long time ago.) They told me I am the only Witness in the world who is doing that, but when I researched on the internet about the witnesses in the Entertainment industry, I was choked by surprise about the length of that list. And I realised that listening to these elders will drag me to the abyss.

I later wanted to know both sides of the story about this organization so I know precisely what am I dealing with, what am I believing, and I encountered the breathtaking information on several websites and used my personal understanding to gauge the matters. And I finally made my decision that I’m no longer part of it like before.

If u r a witness:

– u don’t know that C.T.Russell was once an Adventist and still had dealings with them after he broke free from them, i was told the information either way to believe that Adventists are from the Witnesses…

-U don’t know that C.T.Russell was a freemason, he used lots of symbolism in his works like a winged solar disk, a cross & a crown symbol of the Knight templars etc.

-U dont know that J.F.Rutherford erected a pyramid monument in Watchtower headquarters after Russell’s death, this is where the names of the fallen in death bethelites are written and the cross and crown symbol still exist on that monument.

-The Org once believed in a pyramid to be a bible in stone, the exact thing that freemasons does today.
(why did God allowed this things that are said to be pagan in his Organisation? does it mean he didn’t know they were pagan?)

-u don’t know that WTBTS became a member of the U.N for almost 10 years and withdrew the membership when questioned why do they associate with the purple and scarlet beast mentioned in the book of Revelation.

-u don’t know that u r being used to Advocate the New World Order, the totalitarian government to reign the earth soon.
hence why the Bible ‘New World (Order) Translation’ was published and WTBTS had to associate with U.N to beef up the project and bring it into practice.

-The reason why witnesses r promised to survive the Armageddon its ’cause ‘No one will enter the new world order without Luciferian initiation’. and hence why u r told to get baptized so u survive the end.
That’s an initiation. The backdrop of this initiation is not getting into the pool, it is the vows that u make up there in the stands at the stadium.

-U don’t know that JW org was modeled according to the freemason societies…
They are called brotherhood society, They work towards the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT, the ultimate goal of the freemasons, they have meetings, they have governing body, they call people SHEEP and all that exists in freemasonry…

Once u learn about freemansonry u will no longer believe in JW as they r an exact copy of Freemason.

I wish you well in your profession. Sounds like you have been successful.

I’ve done a bit of research on these same historical issues you have looked into.

Many of the people at the very top of this organization, through the years, have been just as uninformed as those elders who told you that no one else was in the entertainment industry like you. Yes, Russell borrowed many of his ideas from Second Adventists, and he borrowed a lot from the Freemason ideas, and he made use of a lot of Art Deco design elements with Egyptian motifs largely because of his obsession with the Great Pyramid. A graveyard near Pittsburgh does contain the Pyramid you mentioned, and they chose a cross and crown symbol as a logo. And more recently, they very stupidly showed hypocrisy through their dealings with the United Nations.

But they are not that much like Freemasons. There is no evidence that Russell was a Freemason. There is evidence that he was not one. Freemasons do not have the primary beliefs about the Great Pyramid that Russell had. There is no interest in any Luciferian initiation. The New World (New Order) is a linguistic coincidence with the conspiratorial versions of a New World Order, because the Bible actually uses words that can be correctly translated “new system” “new order” “new world” “new age” etc.

Excellent text . Too bad the JW’s not have that perception , especially by the fact that a simplified teaching on types and antitypes forcibly overthrow the current understanding of the faithful and wise servant . This text needs more publicity.

Why the governing body claim to be appointed with a ” heaven hope” ? It seems me logical that nobody can or could go to heaven after the ending of the apostle covenant and 144.000 . Destination of humankind is only earth is my believe. What others say ?

Jan, You ask why the Governing Body claims to have the heavenly hope. Others would wonder why any Christian would claim to have anything except a heavenly hope. Some, like Russell, would theorize that Christians have a heavenly hope and non-Christians an earthly hope. But for other Christians it doesn’t matter either way. The Christian promise is for “Paradise” and this could refer to heaven or earth or both. Perhaps the idea should be that Christians are to be assigned wherever they are assigned and the hope is not ours to determine.

The WT 15-03-2015 gave many changes. After when i gave my answer that what is written is incorrect the elders warn me twice with Rom. 16:17,18. My question to the elders was that they should go with me to visit Brooklyn to show the GB this text too. The GB should be removed

I am currently a non JW who has been going to meetings about once a week, and doing bible study once a week with some JWs that came to my door. They are very nice people, and I consider the ones I do bible study with to be personal friends of mine now, although I know this can and will change if I wasn’t to become a JW.

I came into this with my eyes open and I was upfront about the fact that i wasn’t coming/going to become a JW, but that I would come to the meetings and give it as fair a shot as I could and just see how it goes. I’v been going for probably 5-6 months now and now I feel like I wish I never got involved but I don’t want to hurt anyones feelings nor ruin our friendship. I do enjoy learning about the bible and that was one of the main reasons to continue bible studies as even though my current ideology isn’t religious/spiritual I am interested in the bible in an academic sense, so I don’t think its a waste… but I am worried about false expectations on their part… and I know the chances of me turning on a lightbulb in their head and make them realize how they are wrong about some things is very unlikely… nor is that really my agenda but I’d like to at least leave them with the thought that I had some valid concerns that they don’t have answers for rather then them thinking the truth was obvious before me and I just chose to ignore it(because of demon influence or apostate lie’s lol).

I’m looking for any advice on what I should do with the understanding that a few of them are friends of mine now, they are pretty open minded but I can only push that so much before like most JW’s they will get very defensive (which is why I tow that line as best as possible).

EnehteE, Your comments tell me that you are very perceptive about the situation you are in. If every JW had a bible study with a person like you they would quickly become a more typical “mainstream” Christian religion. You do have a unique opportunity to influence a person or two in the religion, and this is something you might wish to work with if you are interested in the thinking processes that motivate Witnesses. But you are also in a position to hurt some feelings which could make your own actions seem selfish and unworthy. I enjoy the company of many JWs, and although their thinking is flawed, it’s just a variation of the types of flaws you can find in many or most religions. For that matter, there are other social and political ideologies that also cover the range from useful to harmful, and the amount of time spent with them could be better spent elsewhere.
But I understand the idea of protecting yourself from a kind of expected libel/slander or even the desire to see them (as a group) develop a “better” religion (one that doesn’t hurt people unnecessarily), or wanting to see your newfound friends “grow” into more mature, thinking people.
In my experience, JWs are typically nice people, open to talk with people on many different subjects, friendly, and usually peaceful. There is quite a range of personalities among them. A few of them have no problem with education and may have a surprisingly wide range of interests. My primary interest is that most will accept too much control over their lives and life-altering decisions from a very small group of religious leaders who are much more narrow-minded.
There are also issues with respect to their blood doctrine, protection of their reputation that too easily slips into dishonesty, peer pressure control over decisions related to career choices and higher education, shunning and shaming people whose only sin was to disagree about an interpretation, etc. Their need to protect their reputation has even led to shielding child abusers and pedophiles from due process of law and allowing them to continue working with children in the hopes that claims of repentance are sufficient.

You asked for advice on how to help JWs become more open minded. This is the one area where the specifics of “doctrinal” issues become a weak link for them. Personally, I believe that the entire 1914 doctrine is just a silly sideline, but it tends to attract a large segment of JWs who don’t believe there is anything else wrong with their religion, but have begun to realize that flaws are becoming more visible the longer they try to hold onto traditional beliefs about chronology. I never believed these doctrinal issues were all that important, especially compared with shunning, a dangerously myopic (and unscriptural) view about blood therapies, and protection of abusers.
That said, if you are studying with them, it’s often a way to expose the problems so that they see it’s “them” and not “you.” But you have to be careful here. Some in your situation might think they can just go to any anti-JW site and pick up items to “pin” them into a corner. Many of these sites, especially those not created by ex-JWs, have not prepared for the JW arguments, which are sometimes good and rational. I would familiarize myself with the book “Crisis of Conscience” by Raymond Franz and the site, http://www.jwfacts.com . Once you are very comfortable with the idea that a position they hold is untenable – and you know what their arguments are to support it – then you can merely hold out for an explanation and don’t give in until you get it. Their goal will be to tell you that certain things are not clear now because you don’t have a full picture of everything else, and it will be cleared up later. Your goal would be to let them know that, in effect, it’s the ONLY thing holding you back from further progress at the moment, and you need them to deal with it. This doesn’t mean you can’t continue to be friendly and discuss other subjects, but if they ask about your future progress towards baptism/conversion you can always point back in a nice way to the fact that they never explained that specific point yet. If they know it was THEIR lack of ability, then the burden will weigh on them. Obviously, when they finally give up on you, they may tell themselves (and each other) that you just didn’t have a “right heart condition,” or a teachable, humble personality. But knowing that this is part of their own thinking process, it’s best to use that against them right from the start. In other words, you are concerned that a point of dishonesty or obvious inconsistency among their religious leaders makes you concerned that haven’t shown humility, or teachableness, or the right heart condition. You want to be sure that their religious leaders have been “faithful” and “discreet” because you want to follow only the examples of humble, faithful, discreet, honest people who have shown that they have the right heart condition. Of course, you can’t just expect success in converting them away from their religion, but you may not know how much success you have produced by making them realize their position is not always tenable. They may become less of a shunner of others, for example, if they realize that they themselves cannot defend all their doctrines. They may be open to further independent thinking down the road that will clear up consistencies and confusion that the Watchtower has taught them to ignore. Personally, I would do my best to try to help them, but you will have to expect some “heartbreak” too, because typically, as they start to flounder, they get even more defensive, and might tend to lash out personally.
I wish you well no matter which course of action you choose with respect to your Witness friends.

There are proven facts that the JW know what they are taking about, only set of people who study the bible thoroughly…You look to Jehovah for answers not a bunch of negative People…. These people are not sure that what they are saying has any truth to it…… Proverbs 3:5-6 just like Noah time people made fun of him but what happen when the door closed….Reveation 4:11…..
2 Corinthians..4:4

Gemma, I agree that that there ARE proven areas in which the JWs show that they study the Bible thoroughly. And I also agree that we should look to Jehovah for answers and not a bunch of negative people. However, like most of us, you are probably not aware that several members of the Watchtower’s Writing and Service departments, including members of the Governing Body themselves have admitted doubts about 1914. Not only that but several members of the Governing Body have not just admitted doubts, but that they are SURE that there is no truth to many parts of our 1914 doctrine. In fact, at least 20 members of the Governing Body once promoted teachings about the “generation” that would currently be considered to be apostasy if taught that way today (because it was the “correct” teaching at the time). So when you say that “these people” are not sure that what they say has any truth to it, you must include the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The purpose of this site is not to make fun of anyone, but to show that the Bible does not support the claims we have made for many years as JWs. I know that it sometimes comes across as if we ARE making fun, but that’s really because of coming to learn the absurdity of some of the unscriptural ideas we promoted, when we were supposed to be following the Bible in all things. We also take it very seriously.

This 1914 doctrine can’t be true. Satan was supposed to be thrown to earth at the same time for a short while. 100 years is no way a short while. Not a single GB member lived at that time. I can’t understand why WTorg is talking about 1914? I well know without the 1914 doctrine that Armageddon is near.
And youtube is full of “worldly” christians preaching that the end is near and nobody believes in the 1914 doctrine.

There is one very interesting prophecy about the last king in Daniel 8:23-25.

And I am looking for who might fulfill that prophecy.

Look here what it says:

23 “And in the final part of their kingdom, as the transgressors act to a completion,* a fierce-looking king who understands ambiguous sayings* will stand up. 24 His power will become great, but not through his own power. He will bring ruin in an extraordinary way,* and he will be successful and act effectively. He will bring mighty ones to ruin, also the people made up of the holy ones.+ 25 And by his cunning he will use deception to succeed; and in his heart he will exalt himself; and during a time of security* he will bring many to ruin. He will even stand up against the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human hand.

Do you know any politician that could become that “king”?

Do you know a politician that have that kind of personality as described in Daniel 8:23-25?
What do you say if Donald Trump becomes president of US?

Unbelieveable….!!!! In traditional JW fashion they have danced around the issue of this 1914 date..! I was disfellowshiped, in part due to my questioning the GB on this topic. My whole life was destroyed because of the arrogance of these people. Raymond Franz his wife and seeral others were disfellowshiped at the same time in the early 80’s for bringing this to the attention of the rest of the GB.. He was treated like a leper, disgraced, and removed with others who also questioned this. How many lives were ruined by the arrogant hypocricy of these manipulative bastards. They had the opportunity to “correct the wrong” over 40 years ago…, but instead chose to cover it up an ruin faithful lives of honorable people. You have the nerve to gloss this over now and admitt your error..
Haave you apologized to the tens of thousands of X witnesses that are now dead, or forever disgraced by your cover-up..
I spit on your organization…!!!
Michael

Michael,
I wrote a letter to them disassociating myself around 1980 because of this and other topics. I was told it was wrong to go to college in 1976, because the end was near and it was wastefull of my time. My older brother quit high school to be a special pioneer which they embraced. I just took my oldest daughter to move her into her dorm room last week some 39 years later. My brother believes we are still in the last days, however.

Just finished reading two books on the Jehovah’s Witnesses that are the best I’ve ever read, couldn’t put them down. I thought you might be interested in reading them:

Jehovah’s Witnesses, What Lies Behind The Truth

The Watchtower Society, Organizational Misbehavior

Both books are by Gabriel H Ibarra. You can buy them only on Lulu.com. Type the name of the author. Excellent books. You’ll never regret reading them, worth every penny. Pass the word to those you think might be interested.

The Botchtower claimed they themselves made errors/misunderstandings and later ‘ corrected them ‘.

According to their own propaganda this is a blatant lie –

***The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or any set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man’s opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. (The Watchtower 1931 November 1 p.327)

In other words/accordingly, ALL & Or ANY ‘ mistakes ‘ were 100% because of their own supposed god!

The Botchtower is a dishonest Cult and the only ‘ truth ‘ they have witnessed, is their own ineptitude & fallible, flip-flopping, laughable History.

Her’s some TRUE new light, as taken from their own bible:
Today at 12:26 AM
There is no more disputing or changing of the Word of God to suit your doctrine. Jesus is Jehovah as stated by the New World Translations of the Holy Scriptures. (Jehovah’s Witnesses Bible)

Rev 1 -4 John to the seven congregations+ that are in the province of Asia: May you have undeserved kindness and peace from “the One who is and who was and who is coming,”+(JESUS) and from the seven spirits+ that are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,”+ “the firstborn from the dead,”+ and “the Ruler of the kings of the earth.”+

7 Look! He is coming with the clouds, (JESUS)+ and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; (JESUS) and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him.+ Yes, Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” (JEHOVAH)*+ says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming (JESUS), the Almighty (JEHOVAH).

17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First+ and the Last, (JEHOVAH, Isaiah 44:6, Rev 22:13 AND JESUS, Rev 2:8, Rev 22:13)+ 18 and the living one (JESUS),+ and I became dead (JESUS),+ but look! I am living forever and ever (JESUS),+ and I have the keys of death and of the Grave(JESUS)

Rev 2
8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’ (JEHOVAH, Isaiah 44:6 & Rev 22:13 AND JESUS Rev 1:17&18, Rev 22:13)+ who became dead and came to life again: (JESUS)

Rev 21
I am the Alpha and the Omega, (JEHOVAH)* the beginning and the end. (JEHOVAH)+ To anyone thirsting I will give from the spring* of the water of life free. (JESUS, see John 4:14)

Rev 22
12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.(JESUS)+ 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, (JEHOVAH)*+ the first and the last (JEHOVAH, Isaiah 44:6 AND JESUS, Revelations 1:17 & 18, Rev 2:8), the beginning and the end.

Isaiah 44
6-This is what Jehovah says, The King of Israel (JESUS)+ and his Repurchaser, (JESUS)+ Jehovah of armies (JEHOVAH): ‘I am the first and I am the last. (JEHOVAH AND JESUS, Rev. 1:17,18, Rev 2:8, Rev 22:13)+ There is no God but me.+ 7 Who is there like me?+ Let him call out and tell it and prove it to me!+

YES, LORD, YOU ALONE ARE GOD; I AM, JEHOVAH, JAH, YHWH, ISHI, JESUS, ANGEL OF THE LORD (in the burning bush, the one that followed them in a pillar of smoke and flame and the one that wrestled with Jacob and more, the one Jesus sent to John to testify of the things to come in Revelations!). THERE IS NONE LIKE UNTO YOU OH LORD, NOR ARE THERE ANY WORKS LIKE UNTO YOUR WORKS. YOU, ALONE, ARE GOD WORHTY OF ALL GLORY, HONOR AND PRAISE! (This paragraph and the following, & caps, my own.)

First, in Rev 1:4, Jesus says HE is the ONE coming, and again, in Rev 1:7, Jesus says He is coming with the clouds. Yet, Rev 1:8 says that the ONE who is coming is the Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty, and that’s Jehovah, right? Here, Jehovah says He is the ONE coming.

Secondly, Jesus calls himself ‘the First and the Last’ in Rev 1:17,18, and in Rev 2:8, yet the Father, Jehovah calls himself ‘the First and the Last’ in Rev 22:13 and in Isaiah 44:6.

Undisputable truth about who our Creator is, is found in the book of Revelations in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures as of March 19, 2016.

I gave my first platform talk at 6 years of age. I was totally brainwashed for the next 40 odd years rising to many positions of responsibility and speaking at large conventions. The ‘organization’ was my life. Prior to age 6 I had attended ‘Sunday school’ and firmly believed Christ Jesus was my lord and savior. This belief stayed with me, albeit pushed into the background because of the JW belief (contrary to the Bible teaching) that only the 144,000 are saved.) i think Rutherford came up with the division of the remnant and the ‘other sheep’ to account for the fact that the group was growing and soon the , at that time, ‘remnant’ would exceed 144,000 so ‘new light’ had to be shed fast! Over the years there were a number of ‘beliefs’ I couldn’t conscientiously preach from the platform or otherwise and the
constant hyprocracy, coverups, outright lies truly bothered me. The official party line was always: do not do your own research….do not read ‘worldy’ literature, avoid like the plague criticisms of the JW doctricne and organization. This ‘isolationist’ rule is exactly what dangerous cults use to keep members in line and in the dark. Their brainwashing techniques are some of the best in the world and are used by the military, CIA, and other such religious organizations. They definitely work! My first venture into breaking the ‘no-no’ rule was reading Crisis of Conscience: Raymond Franz: 9780914675235: Books – Amazon.ca and In Search of Chrisitan Freedom. Ray Franz was the nephew of Fred Franz and on the Governing body for years. Those two book confirmed my inward beliefs about the JWs. Coupled with the knowledge from those two books and my early youth burning belief that Jesus WAS MY SAVIOR I resigned all my positions and carried on attending and then sparsely attending the congregation mainly because I didn’t want to be dis- fellowship and lose my JW family members and friends. Finally I couldn’t be a hyprocrite any longer and stopped attending. I eventually lost the relatives and friends I loved dearly.
How precious is the freedom and peace of mind knowing I am saved and I don’t have to do anything to earn God’s approval. I act and live and speak like a Christian simply because I really want to and not out of fear of a cult. I pray every day God will bring the JWS down. How? Perhaps by bankrupting them. I pray this because the cult has such a hold on over 8 million people they won’t leave on their own. The serious part is: unless they come out and are saved they cannot be saved from God’s wrath on this wicked old world. Only through Christ Jesus is their saving possible. I pray the Jehovah God opens the way for 8 million JWs to accept Christ as their personal savior.

James…..it is sad that man is held hostage by his comrades
….8 million have no idea ….where they are held …too afraid to stand
…alone ….frightened to death of what ….has been written
1914….1975…..GB…..The hostage takers have all the power
The Muslims are in no better confine ….and all of 8 Billion humans
And so it seems with every adult and child
…..suffocated by …..religion
If only we can be courageous ….in fact that’s what our creator will love to have
…his children show,,,,,,courage based on knowledge….find that knowledge …..our Creator has nothing hidden …are we lazy to do
…research …..
Rob

Even the term jehovah is a Latinized corruption and improper as admitted by the Botchtower themselves –

The Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge that the name “Jehovah” is improper. Their book, “Let Your Name Be Sanctified” freely admits on pages 16 and 18 that Yahweh is the superior translation of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH). This book has lately been withdrawn. However, in the preface of their “The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures,” we find on page 23 the following admission:

“While inclining to view the pronunciation ‘Yahweh’ as the more correct way, we have retained the form ‘Jehovah’ because of people’s familiarity with it since the 14th century. Moreover, it preserves equally with other forms, the four letters of the Tetragrammaton JHVH.”

3. The Watchtower, February 1, 1991, p. 17 “9Jesus Christ further deserves honor because he is Jehovah’s chief angel, or archangel. On what basis do we reach that conclusion? Well, the prefix “arch,” meaning “chief” or “principal,” implies that there is only one archangel. God’s Word speaks of him in reference to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. We read: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) This archangel has a name, as we read at Jude 9: “When Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: ‘May Jehovah rebuke you.’” In not running ahead of Jehovah by daring to bring judgment against the Devil, Jesus thus honored his heavenly Father.”

5. The Watchtower, February 1, 1994, p. 6 “ The book of Revelation explains: “War broke out in heaven: Michael (the resurrected Jesus Christ) and his angels battled with the dragon Satan), and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven.”

– – – – –

6. The Watchtower, July 15, 1995, p. 5 “The Bible also describes what happened shortly after Jesus’ enthronement. It says: “War broke out in heaven: Michael (Jesus Christ) and his angels battled with the dragon (Satan the Devil), and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven.”

– – – – –

7. The Watchtower, November 1, 1995, p. 8 “The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael.”